James worked at a factory for 8 years. Then the plant closed. No warning. No severance. Just... gone.
He applied everywhere. Fast food. Warehouses. Retail. But without new skills, he couldn't find anything that paid more than $12/hour. He had a mortgage. Two kids. Bills piling up.
Then his WorkOne advisor told him about WIOA. The government would pay for him to learn HVAC repair—a skill that's in high demand. Tuition: $5,000. Books: $300. Gas money to get to class: covered. All free.
60 days later, James graduated with 6 certifications. He got hired at $55,000/year with benefits. "WIOA saved my family," he says.
WIOA stands for Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. It's a federal program that provides free job training to people who are:
WIOA is run through your local WorkOne center. They connect you with training providers (like us), help you apply for funding, and support you through the entire process.
100% of training costs. Whether it's a 3-week CNA program or a 12-month HVAC apprenticeship, WIOA pays for it.
Textbooks, workbooks, uniforms, tools—whatever you need for training.
Gas money, bus passes, or mileage reimbursement to get to class.
If you need childcare while you're in training, WIOA can help cover it.
Work clothes, internet access, even emergency assistance if you're struggling.
Resume writing, interview prep, and connections to employers hiring in your field.
WIOA eligibility depends on your situation. Here are the most common ways people qualify:
Laid off, fired, plant closure, company downsizing—if you're unemployed through no fault of your own, you likely qualify.
Part-time hours, low wages (under $15/hour), no benefits, unstable work—WIOA helps underemployed workers upgrade their skills.
Disability, low income, lack of high school diploma, English as a second language, justice involvement, homelessness—WIOA is designed to help people overcome barriers.
Veterans get priority for WIOA services. If you served, you're likely eligible.
Not sure if you qualify? Contact us. We'll connect you with your local WorkOne center and help you through the application process.
Start at Indiana Career Connect
WIOA services in Indiana are managed through Indiana Career Connect. You must create a free account there first — your WorkOne advisor will use it to process your WIOA training application.
Find your nearest WorkOne at in.gov/dwd/workone-centers. Call or walk in. Tell them you're interested in WIOA training.
They'll assess your eligibility, discuss your career goals, and help you choose a training program.
Tell your advisor you want to train with us. We're an approved WIOA provider. We'll handle the enrollment paperwork.
Once approved, you start immediately. No tuition bills. No loans. Just focus on learning.
Need help navigating the process? We work with WorkOne centers every day. Contact us at (317) 314-3757 and we'll guide you through it.
Sarah, 32 - Medical Assistant
"I was working at Walmart for $13/hour. Single mom, two kids, barely making rent. My WorkOne advisor told me about WIOA. They paid for my Medical Assistant training—21 days, completely free. Now I work at a clinic making $42,000/year with health insurance. My kids have stability. WIOA changed everything."
Graduate, 45 - HVAC Technician
"I got laid off after 15 years in manufacturing. I was 45 years old with no college degree. I thought my career was over. WIOA paid for my HVAC training—60 days, 6 certifications. I got hired before I even graduated. Now I'm making $55K with benefits and overtime. I'm 50 now and I've never been more financially secure."
Keisha, 26 - Peer Recovery Coach
"I'm in recovery. I have a record. Nobody would hire me. WIOA gave me a chance. They paid for my Peer Recovery Coach training. Now I work at a treatment center helping people like me. I make $38K/year and I'm saving lives. WIOA didn't just give me a job—it gave me purpose."
